School board starts superintendent search process

The Baltimore County school board began the process of selecting the next superintendent Tuesday night by creating a committee to set guidelines for public participation and choosing a search firm.

The board decided in a private vote more than a month ago not to extend Superintendent Joe A. Hairston's contract, and Hairston told the school board chair on Monday that he will be leaving at the end of the school year. The superintendent has been in the job for 12 years.

Hairston said Tuesday night that he will hold a news conference Friday.

Baltimore County school board President Lawrence Schmidt appointed a panel Tuesday of three board members headed by Valerie Roddy to report back with several key details in the next month.

"I anticipate the search will be thorough and broad-based," Schmidt said.

Schmidt asked board members to draft a request for proposal to hire a search firm if the board decides to use that avenue. He said the board has to identify funds in the current year's budget.

Schmidt also wants the committee to look into how the public will be involved. "Are we going to have public hearings? Set up a website? There are all kinds of options," Schmidt said in an interview.

Abby Beytin, president of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, and Nancy L. Ostrow, president of the county PTA Council, were among those who said they want input in the search process.

Patricia Cook-Ferguson, president of the county NAACP, criticized the board over the private vote, saying it should have been held in public, and praised Hairston.

"Dr. Hairston, do not let anyone tear you down, because you are a great man," she said. "The NAACP will be monitoring" the search for a new superintendent.